Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Loving vs. Virginia - Happy 45th!

Today's the 45th anniversary of the ruling on Loving vs. Virginia, which struck down the ban on interracial marriage.

Mildred Loving died on May 2, 2008. I just found out that we share the same birthday! So from now on…I will think of you Mildred and have a toast to you and your husband on our birthday. Here are some words from Mrs. Loving prior to her death. Perhaps her words and their case laid the groundwork for marriage equality?

“Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the 'wrong kind of person' for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.

I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about."